Key Takeaways:
- The second annual Currents Conference, presented by Portage Learning, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST.
- Anyone, including former students and educators, may attend the free, virtual event.
- To register for the Currents Conference, fill out the form on our website.
Online learning often feels lonely.
Or like something with an expiration date: You pass the course and then transfer the credit.
But Portage Learning views it an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and keep education an ongoing pursuit.
Its second annual Currents Conference brings that philosophy to life.
“At Portage Learning, our goal is to be part of one million stories over 10 years,” Steve Michalik, the accredited institution’s president, explains. “What we mean by that is being able to engage someone where they are in life, not by drawing them into our courses, but by seeing where they are, meeting them there, and giving the support needed to move forward.”
The free, virtual gathering will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST and anyone may attend.
“Currents gives us a chance to bring people together around ideas that matter,” Michelle Cooper, host of the Currents Conference and a Portage Learning employee, says.
She and her colleague, Josh Hoey, came up with the idea for it last year while brainstorming ways to better help the institution’s students – and the response gave them reason to do it again.
For the inaugural event, hundreds joined from states around the nation, including:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Nevada
- Massachusetts, and
- Utah
“I’m inspired to continue my education for my kids,” one viewer wrote in an online chat. “It’s never too late.”
Another added, “The production of this conference is so good!”
Josh will take on a different role this year, making room for another coworker, Evan Davidson, to join Michelle on the Currents stage.
Together, they’ll guide attendees through the conference’s 13 sessions, which cover a variety of topics relevant to learners and educators, such as:
- Best study habits: Learn how to manage your coursework and get the most out of your education from Professor Leslie Buchanan and Allyson Gulish, a member of the Portage Learning Student Success team.
- Nutrition and learning: Professor and registered dietitian Tammie Kephart returns with her popular snack break segment, sharing tips for fueling your studies.
- The day in the life of a nursing student: Hear from former student Cayla Condon about life after transferring her credits, including the advice she’d give to those considering a career in nursing.
- Career exploration: Discover professional paths beyond nursing with a panel discussion focused on the myriad of opportunities in the medical field, including how to become a physical therapist and a physician assistant.
- Student stories: Find inspiration from Shalom Korn who, after working as a shepherd and a mechanic, completed six Portage Learning courses to help land his dream job.
Dr. Jeff Cole, the institution’s dean of faculty, says as a leader in higher education, Portage Learning must remember the individual behind every course enrollment – the person working to improve their future.
“We are one small step in your journey, and we want to see you achieve your dream career,” he states.
And with that mindset and with resources such as the Currents Conference, online learning transforms into an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and keep education an ongoing pursuit.
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